Denzel Washington Dedicates Life Achievement Award to His Wife: 'I Wouldn't Survive' Without Her

Denzel and Pauletta Washington.Photo: Rich Fury/Getty

Denzel Washingtonwouldn’t be where he is today without the love and support of hiswife Pauletta.

While being honored with the American Film Institute’s life achievement award on Thursday night, the Oscar-winning actor, 64, shared a touching tribute to his longtime love, who attended the event alongside two of their adult children, Malcom, 28, and Katia Washington, 31.

Praising Pauletta as the “most important person in my life,” Denzel quipped that the pair “were nine when we got together.”

“40 years,” he continued, reflecting on theirenduring romance. “40 years of sacrifice. 40 years of forgiveness. She taught me about faith, spirituality, love, real love, unwavering love, in spite of myself.”

“I would not be alive without Pauletta Washington,” he added. “I wouldn’t survive.”

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Going on to praise Pauletta’s many talents, which include graduating from Juilliard and being a “great” musician and singer, Denzel asked the crowd to “stand up” and give his wife some applause.

During his time onstage, the actor also gave a sweet shoutout to the couple’s children, calling them “our greatest production.”

In a touching echo of his remarks onstage, the actor opened up to PEOPLE on the red carpet about how much having Pauletta’s support throughout his his career has meant.

(L-R) Pauletta Washington and Julia Roberts.Amy Sussman/Getty Images

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During the emotional evening, a number of the actor’s peers and collaborators took to the stage to share their own heartfelt tributes, including Roberts, who starred in the 1993 filmThe Pelican Briefalongside the actor.

“I met Denzel Washington over half of my life ago,” she remarked. “Working with Denzel, I had really never seen anything like it, honestly. It was like working as I imagined, with wheels. People screaming, women fainting in the street. I am amazed that I was never trampled in the crowds.”

“But what I remember so well as meeting Pauletta and all your kids and seeing how you valued your family, your home life above all else,” she continued. “I know it takes a lot of hard work but you and Pauletta made it look like a dream to me, and now I live my life with those same values. The two of you inspired me then and continue to inspire me to this day.”

Shortly after celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary last June, Washingtonopened up to PEOPLEabout the secret to their lasting love.

“I do what I’m told. I keep my mouth shut,” he joked, before praising his wife for helping make their house a home.

“The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference. You can buy a house, but that doesn’t make it a home – and not to say a man can’t make a home a home, but my wife has made our house a home, and raised these beautiful kids and protected them and sacrificed for them, she did the heavy-lifting,” he shared.

source: people.com